For a first visit to Acadia, a good trio is the Beehive (1.4-mile loop up iron rungs above Sand Beach), Ocean Path (2.2 miles one way along the cliffs to Otter Point) and the Jordan Pond Path (a 3.3-mile loop with no climbing to speak of). For a full summit day, the Cadillac South Ridge Trail is 7.1 miles round trip.
Below are seven Mount Desert Island hikes with the distance, time and rules for each from the National Park Service's own hike pages, linked so you can check them, plus what you need to know about park passes, the Cadillac summit road and the spring cliff closures.
At a glance
| Hike | Distance | Time | Rungs? | Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beehive Loop | 1.4 mi loop | 1–3 h | Yes | No |
| Precipice | 3.1 mi | — | Yes | No |
| Jordan Pond Path | 3.3 mi loop | 1–3 h | No | Leash |
| Gorham Mountain | 3.5 mi | 1–3 h | Optional section | Leash |
| Ocean Path | 4.4 mi out and back | 2–4 h | No | Leash |
| Double Bubble Nubble | 6.6 mi loop | 4–5 h | No (scrambles) | Leash |
| Cadillac South Ridge | 7.1 mi round trip | 2–4 h | One rung | Leash |
Times are the NPS "average pace" estimates. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and are not allowed on rung and ladder trails (NPS).
Cliff and rung climbs
Beehive Loop
1.4 miles round trip as a loop from the Beehive Trailhead across the Park Loop Road from Sand Beach; the NPS says it takes 1 to 3 hours. The first part climbs a 450-foot cliff on steep granite staircases and iron rungs with exposed edges and no railings, to a 520-foot summit. The park advises against coming back down the rungs: continue to the Bowl and return on the Bowl Trail. It is very dangerous in wet weather, and pets are not allowed. Parking is tight from 9 am to 3 pm in summer. Source: NPS. See our Beehive trail guide.
Precipice Trail
The park's best-known rung climb gains more than 1,000 feet in 0.9 miles, up several series of long iron rungs and ladders on an open, vertical cliff face. Maine Trail Finder lists the route at 3.1 miles, climbing the Precipice and returning on other trails; start at the Precipice parking lot, and if it is full, pick another hike. Pets are not allowed (Maine Trail Finder). It closes each spring for nesting peregrine falcons: in 2026 the NPS closed the Precipice, Jordan Cliffs and Valley Cove trails from March 1 until resource managers judge it safe to reopen (NPS). Check current closures before you go. See our Precipice trail guide.
Summits and ridge hikes
Cadillac South Ridge Trail
7.1 miles round trip to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, starting on ME Route 3 just past Blackwoods Campground (there's no road sign; park on the road shoulder). The NPS gives 2 to 4 hours at an average pace; the trail is rocky with uneven footing and has one iron rung. Dogs on leash. Source: NPS. See our Cadillac Mountain guide.
Gorham Mountain Loop
3.5 miles round trip from the southwest corner of the Gorham Mountain parking lot (look for a stump carved "Gorham Mountain trail"), 1 to 3 hours. An optional 0.3-mile section along Cadillac Cliff has rungs and ladders. Dogs on leash. Source: NPS.
Double Bubble Nubble Loop
A 6.6-mile loop over South and North Bubble from Bubble Pond, 4 to 5 hours, mostly moderate with a few short, steep rock scrambles where you'll need your hands. A short side trip from South Bubble reaches Bubble Rock (0.1 mile), and the Bubbles Divide cutoff shortens the loop by about a mile. Dogs are allowed on leash but the park doesn't recommend the South Bubble summit for them. The Island Explorer bus (#4 and #5) stops at Bubble Pond from mid-June to mid-October. Source: NPS.
Easy shoreline and pond walks
Ocean Path
2.2 miles one way (4.4 miles round trip) from the upper Sand Beach parking lot along the shore past Thunder Hole (0.7 mile from Sand Beach) to Otter Point, 2 to 4 hours. The Sand Beach to Thunder Hole stretch is accessible, and the Thunder Hole lot is the most accessible way on; beyond Thunder Hole the path is uneven with granite staircases. There are steep drops into the ocean, so keep children back from the edge. Thunder Hole is loudest about two hours before high tide in high wind. Open year-round; dogs on leash. Source: NPS.
Jordan Pond Path
A 3.3-mile loop around Jordan Pond from the boat launch, 1 to 3 hours; park in the North Lot just before the Jordan Pond House. The eastern half is level crushed stone, the western half much rougher, with boardwalks, rocks and footbridges, and the path is not wheelchair accessible. Jordan Pond is a public water supply, so wading and swimming are prohibited. Dogs on leash. Source: NPS. See our Jordan Pond guide.
Passes, reservations and closures
- Park pass: $35 per private vehicle for 7 days, $30 per motorcycle, $20 per person on foot or bike (ages 15 and under free), or $70 for an Acadia annual pass. Anyone 16 or older entering on foot or bike needs their own pass (NPS fees).
- Cadillac Summit Road: driving to the summit needs a $6 vehicle reservation during the main season (the NPS listing shows May 20 to October 25). You don't need one if you hike, bike or take a taxi up (NPS).
- Park Loop Road is closed from mid-December to mid-April (NPS).
- Spring closures: the Precipice, Jordan Cliffs and Valley Cove trails close for peregrine falcon nesting from March 1 until the park reopens them (NPS).
- Trail count: Acadia has more than 150 miles of trails (NPS); the park suggests looping steep routes so you don't descend cliffs and ladders.
More Maine hiking: the best hikes in Maine, with every trail in one sortable table, and the highest mountains in Maine.
Questions
What is the best hike in Acadia National Park for a first visit?
A good first day combines the Beehive Loop (1.4 miles, iron rungs above Sand Beach) with Ocean Path (2.2 miles one way to Otter Point). For a gentler day, the Jordan Pond Path is a 3.3-mile loop; for a summit, the Cadillac South Ridge Trail is 7.1 miles round trip.
Is the Beehive Trail dangerous?
It's one of Acadia's difficult trails: the first part climbs a 450-foot cliff on iron rungs and exposed ledges with no railings. The National Park Service advises against descending the rungs, says the trail is very dangerous in wet weather, and doesn't allow pets.
Is the Precipice Trail open?
It closes every spring for nesting peregrine falcons. In 2026 the NPS closed the Precipice, Jordan Cliffs and Valley Cove trails from March 1 until resource managers judge it safe to reopen, so check the park's current closures before you go.
Do you need a pass to hike in Acadia?
Yes. A private vehicle pass is $35 for 7 days, and anyone 16 or older entering on foot or by bike needs their own $20 pass. Driving up the Cadillac Summit Road also needs a $6 vehicle reservation in the main season, but hikers don't need one.
Can I bring my dog on Acadia hikes?
Yes, on a leash no longer than 6 feet, but not on rung and ladder trails such as the Beehive and the Precipice. The park also doesn't recommend the South Bubble summit for dogs.
